On July 16, Papua New Guinea closed the Taipei Economic Office in the country. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said Beijing highly appreciates the decision, adding that the One-China principle is an international consensus.

Papua New Guinea's decision underscores a growing diplomatic realignment in the Pacific, with more island nations adhering to the One-China principle. For New Zealand SMEs operating in the region, this clarifies the political landscape, reducing business uncertainty. China is PNG's largest investment source, with major commitments in mining and infrastructure.

New Zealand firms can capitalise on their geographic proximity and expertise in engineering consulting, environmental management, and supply chain services to secure niche roles. Meanwhile, Taiwan's agricultural and fisheries technical cooperation with PNG may shift, potentially leaving some small-scale aid projects for other donors. New Zealand companies eyeing related sectors should reassess competition.

The move strengthens PNG's comprehensive strategic partnership with China and may accelerate trade and investment facilitation between the two, warranting close watch on government procurement and project tenders.

Keywords: Papua New Guinea, closure, office, One-China, Lin Jian

7月16日，巴布亚新几内亚政府宣布关闭“驻巴新台北经济办事处”，外交部发言人林剑表示高度赞赏，称一个中国原则是国际社会共识。

巴布亚新几内亚关闭台北经济办事处，是太平洋岛国遵循一个中国原则的最新案例。对深耕该地区的新西兰中小企业而言，区域外交格局的明晰化有助于降低商业风险。中国作为巴新最大投资来源国，在矿业、基建领域投入巨大，新西兰企业可凭借地缘与专业优势，在工程咨询、环境管理、供应链服务等细分领域参与合作。

同时，台湾此前在巴新的农渔业技术合作可能生变，部分小型援助项目或由其他捐助方接手，新西兰中小企业若布局相关领域，需重新评估竞合关系。巴新政府此举进一步夯实了与中国全面战略伙伴关系，未来中巴新贸易投资便利化措施或加速落地，值得关注政府采购与项目招标动态。

关键词: 巴布亚新几内亚, 关闭, 办事处, 一个中国, 林剑

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Source: Global Times